Governor John G. Rowland today announced his intention to formally name the State Pier in New London the "Port of New London, Admiral Harold E. Shear State Pier."

"Through his foresight and perseverance, Admiral Shear has been a driving force in promoting the economic potential of this southeast Connecticut port," said Governor Rowland. "He never lost sight of the pier's strategic importance and the role it plays in positioning Connecticut in the global economy.

Admiral Shear, 79, has worked extensively to develop and market the State Pier. He graduated from the U.S Naval Academy in 1941 and had a long and distinguished career in the military. He served on various destroyers and submarines during World War II and before retiring in 1980 served as Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe from 1977 to 1980.

He was selected by President Ronald Reagan as Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration from 1981 to 1985.

A portion of the State Pier collapsed in 1993 and it has been closed for shipping since then. A $13 million project to reconstruct the east side of the State Pier was started in 1995 and is presently being completed. The pier will make southeastern Connecticut a vital link for transportation and commerce on the east coast.